Starting from April 24, 2021, three videos of fighting songs made by students at the University of Seoul (UOS) were posted on YouTube. It is quite an approach since until the first song, [In the Name of UOS], was composed, UOS did not have any fighting songs. Moreover, the production of this song was mostly sponsored by the students of UOS, including members of the planning team. This song has powerful melodious lines that make it energetic. Several students in various majors have participated in this project, including a cheering squad in UOS, AMICUS, who is starring in the video posted on YouTube.

The second song, [U, Our Star!], and the third song [You, embraced by Seoul, will lead UOS] have quite different vibes from the first one, each presenting a sweet melody with a soft chord progression. These songs can also be found on YouTube.

Further, the lyrics of all three songs had special meanings. The first song’s lyrics convey to the students of UOS that they will not be alone in their journey to the future to be the star of UOS. The second song means that “You are already the star, you are shining just the way you are.” The last song’s lyrics encourage the students of UOS to take important roles in the world and lead their times. This encourages students to make their dreams come true. One distinctive characteristic of this song is a classical vocal piece. The UOS Times interviewed the project manager and lyric writer of the first and last songs, Sim Jun-sung (Dept. of Sport Science, ’18).
 

In the interview, he said that he started to plan this project because he was dissatisfied with the fact that there was no song that represents UOS, unlike other universities. “One day, I saw a medley of fighting songs from other universities on YouTube. Moreover, I thought that it would be good to have a song that all students in UOS could enjoy and remember when they gather even after graduation.”

He also invited participation from students and other members of UOS. He originally pictured this project to be made by the collective participation of students and got the opportunity to meet one of the students in the Department of Music. “I met her with the lyrics that I wrote and, fortunately, she agreed to participate. We took decisions regarding the direction of the song and chose the singer; it was then recorded, which was followed by post-production. The song was finally made.” Moreover, all production members were willing to make this song a part of a talent donation. Around 20 members participated in this project, including the project manager, singers, and members of AMICUS. The fund for the production was gathered from the students and members of UOS.

The song received a great response. The first song’s video has exceeded 10,000 views on YouTube. The majority of the comments say that the cheerleading of AMICUS goes well with the song, [In the Name of UOS], and the song is quite addictive. The project manager said that he tried to cast AMICUS before the song had completed, worrying that they might reject it. However, the members of AMICUS decided to participate; after the song was completed, they did the choreography. Moreover, the chorus singers also became popular. Student A (Dept. of English Language and Literature, ’19) said that this is the cherry on top of this song. 

The project manager said that the first song is a typical fighting song that has the melody of the electric guitar and he wanted to convey the meaning that students in UOS will be able to find their dream and live like a star that shines in the world, whenever they feel tired of the world or their life. 

Regarding the second song, he says that with the bright and groovy melody, the song has a comforting meaning that everyone is already a star, and everyone is good enough the way they are. This message appeared clearly in its name, [U, Our Star!], which is the official slogan of UOS. The second song can be sung together easily because its melody and lyrics are the easiest to follow. Student A said that it is truly comforting because the lyrics of the song are so warm, and she feels like her self-esteem increases when she listens to the song.

The last song of this trilogy is [You, embraced by Seoul, will lead UOS], which is the informal slogan of UOS. This song is sung by a student and a professor of the Department of Music, which makes this project even more special. This song is quite different from the other two songs. The classic melody of the piano gives a subtle mood to this song, and it makes the perfect finale of the trilogy.  Student A said that this song touched her, and the message in this song could give someone the courage to pursue their dream.

The project manager also said that this project was produced with donations from various students and members of UOS, and it was not possible to make progress without this kind of participation. The names of those who donated for this project can be found at the end of each video.
 

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there have been few students on the UOS campus. Most classes are conducted online, and most of the events on campus have been canceled. Especially for freshmen and sophomores who entered college after the outbreak, it would be hard to experience unity. In this situation, these two songs can help the students and members of UOS bond together and make them feel that they belong here.

Moreover, the lyrics of the songs can encourage the students whose confidence or self-esteem has lowered due to this unfortunate situation. The first two songs can comfort and appease them with their cheerful lyrics, with the message of “You are good enough and you are the star of UOS.” The last song delivers the meaning, “You are warmly embraced by this university and this city, and you can be the one who leads this era.” All of these messages are good for all members of UOS to keep in mind and face their future journey.

Through this trilogy, UOS finally has its own theme song and fight song. It is truly meaningful that this project was designed and implemented by the students in UOS. This project, which consists of the effort of the students and other members of UOS, would be remembered and cherished forever. 

Kim Da-eun  
daeunkim749@uos.ac.kr